Tedisco: 33 Bills by Senate Majority Yet No Relief for Small Biz or to Re-Assert Legislature’s Authority as Co-Equal Branch of Government

Senator Jim Tedisco

May 27, 2020

“In a 33-bill legislative COVID-19 relief package that was put forth today and is planned for tomorrow by the Senate Majority, there is nothing to help ease the burden on our small businesses, which have been battered during this crisis nor any measure for the legislature to exert its constitutional role as a separate and co-equal branch of government.” 

“That's why myself and my Senate Republican colleagues offered a reasonable law as an amendment on the Floor to repeal the total control language given to the Governor in the budget by only Democratic votes and require responsible legislative oversight and checks and balances. We also sought a review of the Administration's mishandling of the unemployment insurance program that has left thousands of people waiting months for their claims to be processed. Both measures were voted down by the Majority.” 

“Tomorrow, we plan on calling for an investigation into the Administration's handling of our nursing homes during this crisis that has seen the deaths of nearly 6,000 residents

“Even before the pandemic, New York’s economy was floundering. As we safely reopen New York’s beleaguered economy so people can go back to work and help small businesses rebound, we don’t want to go back to the old economy where 189,000 people last year and over 1.4 million in the past decade left the state.” 

“That’s why we need to shine a bright light on this elephant in the room to stop the massive exodus of New Yorkers who have fled our state by reversing the failed agenda which has helped cause this incredible population loss, otherwise the Empire State will fast become the Empty State.”